His Death Leaves Big Paws to Fill for Owner, Foundation
Devon was a Bernese Mountain dog.
- Print print this page
- Discuss 13 comments, Blog about
Advertisement
Step inside the Aberdeen office of MIRA Foundation USA, a non-profit organization that places guide dogs with blind or sight-impaired children, and images of Devon the Bernese Mountain dog are everywhere.
As the face of the organization, the gentle giant with the striking black and white coat with brown accents is on posters, photographs, promotion fliers and life-size cardboard cutouts. His image even appears as a screen saver on a computer.
But as the office reopened this week after being closed 10 days for vacation, Devon, the big burly ball of joy who had a love of life and a passion for food and people — especially pretty girls — is conspicuously absent, and his MIRA family is mourning.
“It (office) is empty. There is a big, big hole,” said Bob Baillie, founder of MIRA Foundation USA and Devon’s owner and companion.
Devon, who was three weeks shy of his seventh birthday, died Aug. 2, just two days after a veterinarian discovered he had bone cancer in his hip, pelvis and spine. He had been Baillie’s constant guide and companion for the past four years and the face of the organization since it opened here in 2009.
Devon’s loss has been profound for the organization, which raises money to pair dogs with children at no cost to families. In the past three years the organization has placed guide animals dogs with 12 families. Those dogs are a a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Labrador, which are smaller (50 to 70 pounds) and bred specifically to be service animals.
Founded in Canada in 1991, MIRA is the only organization that gives guide dogs to children ages 11 to 17.
For more on MIRA Foundation USA, click here.
“This whole thing was built around Devon’s ability to show what guide dogs can do for children and for all people,” Baillie said of MIRA Foundation USA.
Since word of Devon’s passing has spread, sympathy cards, letters, phone calls and voice mail messages, Facebook posts and flowers have flooded into the local office.
“I’ve never heard of a dog getting flowers,” Baillie said. “Who sends emails to dogs?”
But Devon was much more than just a dog. As a well-traveled fundraiser and celebrity, he was a poster dog for empowering the blind and a local celebrity who served as a 100-pound security blanket for Baillie, who lost his sight four years ago after he had heart bypass surgery.
Devon gave Baillie confidence to allow him to treat his blindness as an inconvenience rather than a disability.
“I am so lost right now,” Baillie said. “This morning I came up the street with a cane. I haven’t used a cane in four years.”
Baillie says walking with a cane without Devon takes three times longer.
“When I walk with a cane, I have to look for obstacles and know where the danger points are. With the dog, you don’t know the obstacles are there.
“The best way to describe it is, without Devon, I feel blind.”
Devon’s death came suddenly. In July he began having sporadic bouts of lameness, but an examination then revealed nothing significant, Baillie said.
“We went to Cary on July 31 and thought his knees were the problem,” Baillie said. “But after they ran some tests, Dr. (Jack) Gallagher said something was seriously wrong.”
Devon was given medications, but Baillie said his trusted companion and friend deteriorated quickly, and two days after his diagnosis, Baillie was faced with a difficult decision.
“That Thursday morning we left the house and he was not very sharp because of his medication,” Baillie said of Devon. “We made it a few steps down the driveway and he sat down and refused to move.”
Devon was humanely euthanized later that day.
“He was more than a dog, or a pet, and I refused to let him suffer,” Baillie said.
Those who knew him say Devon was special because of his intellect, his boundless energy, his compassion for people and his ability to be unfazed by even the most hectic situations.
He was equal parts gentleman, guardian, ambassador, office greeter, clown and chow hound.
“He was a bundle of joy,” said Beth Daniels, executive director of MIRA Foundation USA. “He always knew what role he was in.”
As a testament to his smarts, Devon mastered more than 50 commands — in both English and French — and could unflinchingly navigate his way through large crowds and unfamiliar places like PNC Arena at Carolina Hurricanes hockey games, or shopping malls.
“He just never failed to make your jaw drop with what he could do for Bob,” said Sandy Stringer, who also works at MIRA USA.
Baillie said it often took Devon two times to get down a new route and then flawlessly navigate it with just the slightest command.
When Baillie was around stairs, Devon always stayed between Baillie and the top of the stairs so he wouldn’t fall, and Devon always pushed Baillie to the hand rail. He would protect Baillie from traffic and determine the safest routes to regular destinations like the post office and restaurants in downtown Southern Pines.
“He never ever missed a step,” Baillie said.
He also never missed an opportunity to eat.
A notorious food mooch, Devon’s penchant for dog biscuits and his not-so-subtle powers of persuasion are legendary. First he would come to Baillie and place his paws in Baillie’s lap, and if that didn’t work, he would work the room, heading over to Daniels’ desk and placing his large head on her keyboard.
“I can’t tell you how many Word documents on my computers have had ‘zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz’ in them,” she said.
He loved ice cubes, bacon and licking the ankles of female flight attendants.
Baillie was seldom alone in public with his faithful sidekick.
“Devon was the biggest chick magnet. If I had known what it was like, I’d have gotten him when I was in my 20s,” Baillie said.
Baillie said he is grateful for all the condolences he and the MIRA Foundation USA have received since Devon’s death. He is hopeful to have Devon’s successor by the end of the month. He will then go through a two- to four-week training program with his new companion at the MIRA Foundation International headquarters in Canada before the two can return to Moore County.
Baillie knows his new companion is going to have some big paws to fill.
“I am hoping a new dog can fill that hole, fill the void,” Baillie said. “It’s like losing a family member. Nobody is going to replace them, but the work goes on.”
Contact Tom Embrey at (910) 693-2484 or tembrey@thepilot.com.
More like this story
Advertisement
Comments
janetcollins 9 months, 1 week ago
I am so sorry about your loss. In recent weeks I had to let my sweet labador Abigail go to Heaven too. I think only animal lovers understand the ache that death brings. I took the day off from work and my co-workers told my patients that I had a death in the family and they presented me a sympathy card when I returned the next day. It was a heartbreaking day despite being the right decision to make. I had her sent to Angel Paws to be cremated, and when I got her urn returned about 12 days later it made me feel much better to have her home where she loved to be. I also have a labador that will be 17 in September. My dogs are like family members and very loved. I pray you find some comfort in the coming days with the prayers from family and friends. Don't know if you believe dogs go to Heaven, but I hope so! There are lots of books on that topic which I found to be helpful on those mornings when I miss her so much. I wish you blessings in finding a new dog to fulfill your guide dog needs.
JustThinking 9 months, 1 week ago
"All dogs to Heaven". R.I.P. Devon, Our family will never forget you!
concerned1 9 months, 1 week ago
Bob, I do not believe I would be able to express how deeply sorry I am to hear about Devon's passing. He was truly a most beautiful and gentle giant that you could not help but reach out and pet whenever you encountered him at various places around the county. I know the companionship he offered you was massive. I hope you can find a similar teammate in your next companion, but there will never be one like the first one. He was definitely a champion for MIRA's cause. I am a believer that he is waiting patiently over the Rainbow Bridge for the day when you two can walk together again. Thank you for the good work you and Devon have worked at for so long.
debsalomon 9 months, 1 week ago
The loss of a beloved animal companion -- dog or cat -- can be as intense as the loss of a human family member. But take solace in what a friend and veterinarian once told me: Animals do not know or fear death. They only know love and suffering. Devon knew boundless love and suffered only a short time. I still cry for the pets I have lost, but at least in the knowledge that they never cried for me, because I was always there to give them a happy life.
MelanieCoughlin 9 months, 1 week ago
Devon had a huge personality, and Tom captured it in words. I share the community's sadness at Devon's death.
cdm1mom 9 months, 1 week ago
I am so sorry!
Thatcher 9 months, 1 week ago
This is so sad. My thoughts and prayers for Mr. Baillie and all who loved this amazing dog.
djcalaska 9 months, 1 week ago
Deeply sorry for your loss. Words do not come easy at times like this. I am sure he was your best friend too.
FightFireWithFire 9 months, 1 week ago
What a terrible loss, Devon was indeed a special being. He will definitely be missed. RIP, sweet boy.
Bill 9 months, 1 week ago
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
hippiern 9 months, 1 week ago
RIP great boy
getreal 9 months, 1 week ago
So very sorry for your great loss. Our pets are as dear as our children. I hope you find comfort in all of your happy memories with Devon. I hope you eventually get a new puppy to fill the void left by such a special companion.
linhut1949 9 months, 1 week ago
What a sad yet heartwarming story. I did not know Devon but now that I have read this article, I feel like I do now. I am so very sorry for the loss of this fine animal. I, too, love dogs and all animals. I have three of my own. I have had to let some of my pets go in the past as I did not want any of them to suffer. It is like losing a family member because the pet is a family member. May God bless all who had their lives touched by Devon. Time is a great healer but the mind and heart will never forget.